Funeral services for Verne Daman of Clarksville, formerly of Cresco, Shell Rock and Waterloo, were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Waterloo with Rev. Patti Eastman officiating.

Interment was in State Line Cemetery, Harmony, MN. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Verne, 88, died Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at Community Nursing Home, Clarksville of Parkinson's disease.

Verne Eugene Daman was born January 1, 1914 on a farm in Orleans Township, Winneshiek County, near Cresco, the son of George Newton and Ollie Elizabeth (Salisbury) Daman. He was baptized, confirmed and was a member of Cresco United Methodist Church. He attended school in Cresco.

On June 7, 1933 he married Alta Viola Barnes in New Hampton. While in Cresco, Verne worked for the Cresco Nursery, Howard County Road Work, Bergfalk Furniture, Del Larson Furniture, and Sears. When Alta moved into the nursing home in 1987, Verne moved into an apartment in Clarksville, until he moved into the nursing home in 2000.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting rocks, and gardening.

He is survived by two daughters: Phyllis Heeren of Shell Rock and Shirley Daman of Clarksville; one son: Neil of Round Rock, TX; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister: Bonnie Jean Woods of Omaha, NE; and one brother: Leonard of Cedar Falls.

Verne was preceded in death by his wife Alta on March 18, 1998; his parents; and one brother: Norbert.

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Wallace Ehlert 

Memorial services for Wallace "Wally" Ehlert of Dubuque were held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4 at Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home.

Interment was in Oaklawn Cemetery in Cresco at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6.

Wallace, 67, died Saturday, August 31, 2002 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City.

Wallace E. Ehlert was born May 23, 1935 in Cresco, the son of Albert A. and Selma C. (Anderson) Ehlert.

He was co-owner of L & E Roofing in Cresco. He also worked at Steffen's Standard Station in Dubuque and most recently for Dubuque Insulation and Siding until his retirement in 1997.

Wally loved to raise plants. He often enjoyed doing small carpentry projects.

He served in the U.S. Army in France.

He is survived by two daughters: Tina Marie Ehlert of Prairie Du Chien, WI and Inez Bernadine Ehlert of Cresco; two grandsons; and three sisters: Susan Tenney of Dyersville, Barbara Steffen of Farley, and Mary Lou Ehlert of Dubuque.

Wallace was preceded in death by one son: Shawn Wallace; and his parents.

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Rev. Fr. Clarence Frana 

Mass of Christian Burial was held for for Rev. Fr. Clarence Frana of Cedar Rapids at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6 at Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids with the Most Rev. Jerome G. Hanus, O.S.B. Archbishop of Dubuque officiating.

Interment was in Saint John's Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Pallbearers were: Lawrence Frana, Edmund Frana, Eugene Novak, Bernard Phillips, Tom Frana, and Dorothy Ripley. Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West handled the arrangements.

Rev. Fr. Clarence, 77, died Sunday, September 1, 2002 in his home of an apparent heart attack.

Rev. Fr. Clarence L. Frana was born June 20, 1925 in rural Lime Springs, the son of Albert and Mary (Humpal) Frana. His home parish was Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes. He attended Saint Procopius College in Lisle, IL, Loras College in Dubuque, and the Theological College at the Catholic University in Washington, DC.

He was ordained June 2, 1951 at Christ the King Chapel, Loras College by Archbishop Leo Binz. Father Frana's first Mass was in Holy Trinity Parish in Protivin.

He served as chaplain and pastor of many parishes including Assumption Parish in Little Turkey from 1962-67.

He retired to Cedar Rapids in 1995.

Father Frana was a Navy veteran of World War II. He had served as Chaplain for American Legion Hanford Post #5; St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Boy Scouts, all in the Cedar Rapids area. He was a member of Pope John XXIII Council #5677 Knights of Columbus; Bowen General Assembly #269 Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus; Guardians of St. Joseph Branch #137 Catholic Workman; Catholic Order of Foresters; American Legion Hanford Post #5 and 40 and eight. In 1988, he was honored as an Honorary Alumnus of the St. Wenceslaus High School Alumni Association.

He is survived by one sister: Julia Phillips of Decorah; and one brother: Benjamin of Cupertino, CA.

Rev. Frana was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters: Stella, Annie, Celia, Agnes and Sister De Sales, OSB; and seven brothers: George, William, Albert, Paul, Victor, Julius, and Vitalis.

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Marlene Chihak

 Funeral services for Marlene Chihak of Lourdes were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 6 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes with Rev. John Hemann officiating.

Interment was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Lourdes. Marlene's husband and children placed the pall. Pallbearers were: Donald Chihak, Allan Chihak, Ronald Valvoda, Troy Meyer, Lewis Meyer, Jr., and Donald Ludwig. Honorary pallbearers were: Craig Schlatter, Shawn Ollendieck, Scott Stevenson, Lewis Meyer, Ray Valvoda, and Robert Chihak. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Marlene, 61, died Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.

Marlene Ann Chihak was born October 31, 1940 at Eldorado, the daughter of Truman and Georgia (Woodson) Meyer. She attended country school near her family's home in Eldorado, and went on to graduate from North High in West Union in 1958.

On September 20, 1960 she married Joseph Chihak at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union. They moved to a farm near Lourdes where they resided. Throughout the years she worked at various places in Charles City, New Hampton, and Elma. She was a member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Church and the Rosary Society.

She enjoyed reading, playing euchre, cooking, baking, and collecting owls.

She is survived by her husband Joseph; three sons: Tim of Cresco, Tom of Lourdes, and Todd Chihak of Lourdes; three daughters: Jean Schlatter of Winterset, Barb Ollendieck of Davenport, and Teresa Chihak of Elma; one granddaughter; one brother: Lewis of Spillville; and one sister: Carol DeVoe of Virginia Beach, VA.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; one brother: Mike; and one sister: Dawn VanScayoc.

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Doris Holzer Funeral services for Doris Holzer of Decorah were held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6 at Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church, Decorah with Rev. Susan Debner and Rev. Steve Jacobsen officiating.

Interment was in Canoe Ridge Cemetery, Decorah. Honorary pallbearers were: Odd Fellow members. Pallbearers were: Kelly Krull, Jarad Holzer, Daniel Holzer, Duane Vine, Jesse Holzer, and Wayne Barth. Schluter Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Doris, 64, died Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at the Oneota Care Facility in Decorah following a short illness.

Doris A. Holzer was born June 2, 1938, the daughter of Walter and Mabel (Monson) Koch on the family farm between Frankville and Ossian. She attended country schools and graduated from Decorah High School in 1956.

On November 9, 1956 she married Dean Holzer at St. Benedicts Catholic Church. Doris traveled with her husband Dean while he worked road construction and was a homemaker. She later worked at DECO Products for over 10 years.

Doris liked to can garden produce.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Decorah.

She is survived by her husband Dean; one son: Dwight of Decorah; one daughter: DeAnne Krull of Decorah; seven grandchildren; three sisters: Norma Einck of Decorah, Betty Gilbert of Westland, MI, and Judy Styve of Alexandria, MN; and one brother: Robert of Decorah.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Alice Armstrong, Ruth Mitchell, and Pat Koch; and one brother: Curtis.

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Francis Lickteig

 Funeral services for Francis Lickteig of Cresco were held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 30 at St. Joseph's Worship Center in Cresco.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Pallbearers were: Ben Ollendick, David and Dean Lickteig, Lowell Sovereign, Jim Houdek, and Wayne Erickson.

Francis, 81, died Tuesday, August 27, 2002 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

Francis Jacob Lickteig was born December 19, 1920 in Howard County, near Cresco, the son of Frank and Louise (Steffen) Lickteig.He was baptized and confirmed in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, attended St. Joseph's Grade School and graduated from Cresco High School in 1939.While in school, Francis participated in sports, especially liked wrestling. Francis started farming following his education.

On September 18, 1947 he married Rufina Reicks at St. Joseph's Church.

Francis lived in the Cresco area all his life and in his early years he was president of the FFA.

He hunted in his early years, loved to play horseshoe, and play cards.

He is survived by his children: Dale of Cresco, Marilyn Ollendick of Rochester, MN, and Don of Cresco; and seven grandchildren.

Francis was preceded in death by his wife Rufina; his parents; one brother: Clem; and three sisters: Philomena Derr, Catherine Hayes, and Amelia Lickteig.

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Dorothy Marn

 Funeral services for Dorothy Marn of Riceville were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 29 at the Conway Funeral Home in Riceville.

Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Dorothy, 87, died Monday, August 26, 2002 at the Riceville Community Rest Home where she has made her home since July 4, 2001.

Dorothy Jean Marn was born May 17, 1915 near Riceville, Howard County, the daughter of Oliver and Mabel (Warburton) White. The family lived at Brownville and Dorothy went to school in Brownville, which was like a country school in the middle of town until they moved into Riceville and Dorothy graduated from Riceville High School.

On February 16, 1946 she married Howard Marn in Denver, CO. They lived in the Denver area. Dorothy moved back to Riceville after Howard's death and she moved into her father's house to help care for him following Beulah's death.

Dorothy was employed as the receptionist clerk for the Rocky Mountain Motorists, which is a Colorado AAA.

She was a member of the St. Peter's Lutheran Church. She loved sports.

She is survived by one brother: Robert of New Hampton.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Howard on August 19, 1976; and one sister: Beulah White.

Cyril Bouska 

Cyril "Ike" Bouska, 84, of Winter Haven, FL, formerly of Tama, died of heart failure Monday, September 9, 2002 in Palm Gardens, Winter Haven.

His body was cremated. Arrangements with Trinity Funeral & Cremation Center, Winter Haven, FL.

Cyril M. Bouska was born October 17, 1917 in Maywood, IL, the son of Frank W. and Sarah R. (Bell) Bouska. He came to Winter Haven from Iowa in 1996. He was a graduate of Iowa State University, Ames, with a B.S. degree in dairy industry and minor in economics. From 1942 to 1972, he was the owner of Royal Dairy in Tama, and from 1972 to 1996, an agent for the Paul Revere Insurance Co. He and his wife, Judith, would have been married 61 years on September 15, 2002.

He is survived by his wife Judith; his children: Betsy Bouska of Arlington, OH, Beverly Boyle of Waterloo, William of Lawrence, KS, and Bruce of Darlington, SC; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Sarah Sanford of Lansing, MI and Anne Lukes of Protivin.

Cyril was preceded in death by his parents.

Charles Hadacek

Funeral services for Charles Hadacek were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin with Rev. John Moser officiating.

Interment was in Holy Trinity Church Cemetery in Protivin. Honorary pallbearers were: Clarence Hrubes, Dudley Wicklund, David Juhl, Tom Hadacek, Don Lensing, and Clet Koshatka. Pallbearers were: Shawn Sweeney, Meghan Sweeney, Justin Shores, Kyle Shores, Tony Sheridan, and Bobbie Jo Sheridan. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Charles, 69, died Saturday, September 7, 2002 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco.

Charles Joseph Hadacek was born September 8, 1932 in Spillville, the son of Joseph and Martha (Bouska) Hadacek. He attended the country school near Duncan and high school in Garner. On June 9, 1953 he entered the Army and served in the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharge on May 18, 1955.

On April 2, 1956 he married Betty Pechota at the Assumption Church in Little Turkey. They moved to the family farm south of Protivin. From 1977 until 1995 he was part owner of the West Union Implement. Charles and Betty moved to town in 1994.

He was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Protivin American Legion Post 605 and the Catholic Workman Branch 39.

He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and delivering flowers.

He is survived by his wife Betty; three daughters: Cindy Sweeney of Dubuque, Pam Shores of West Union, and Mary Beth Sheridan of Dubuque; one son: Chuck of Protivin; nine grandchildren; one sister: Patricia Juhl of Nora Springs; and two brothers: Robert of Forest City and Joseph of Duncan.

Charles was preceded in death by one son: Larry; and his parents.

Madeline Johnson

Funeral services for Madeline Johnson of Westmont were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 12 at the Toon Funeral Home in Westmont with Rev. Ron Greene officiating.

Interment was in Clarendon Hills Cemetery Darien, IL.

Madeline, 88, died Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at her home.

Madeline M. Johnson was born June 30, 1914 in Preston, MN, the daughter of John and Amanda Weiss. She had managed Burney Bros. Bakery (Downers Grove).

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Westmont.

She loved gardening, flowers, and crafts.

She is survived by her husband Virgil; one daughter: Virginia Leifheit of Yorkville; two sons: Michael of Westmont and Virgil, Jr. of Muskego, WI; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister: Leona Berg of Elgin.

Madeline was preceded in death by her parents.

Frances Eggerichs

Funeral services for Frances Eggerichs of Chester were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13 at the Chester United Methodist Church in Chester with Rev. Tim Walker officiating.

Interment was in Chester Hill Cemetery. Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Frances, 38, died Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at St. Mary's Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Frances Kay Eggerichs was born May 15, 1964 in Spring Valley, MN, the daughter of Glenn and Eleanor (Lex) Eggerichs.She graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco and worked at L.P.C. (LeRoy Products Co.) for 15 years.

She enjoyed fishing, hunting, and road cruising.

She is survived by her mother Eleanor of Chester.

Joseph Ludwig

Funeral services for Joseph Ludwig of Spillville were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating.

Interment was in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Spillville. Honorary pallbearers were: Catholic Workman Branch 33 of Spillville. Pallbearers were: Bob Sbiral, John Novak, Gerald Kuhn, Stanley Shevik, Tom Bernatz, and Larry Shindelar. Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Joseph, 90, died Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at the Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah.

Joseph Wenceslaus Ludwig was born on the family farm near Spillville, the son of Albert and Anna (Shimek) Ludwig. Joseph attended St. Wenceslaus School in Spillville, and helped on the family farm. He purchased the farm in 1949. For many years he raised beef cattle.

Joseph served on the (REC) Rural Electric Administratin Board of Directors for many years and served two terms on the Winneshiek Extension Council. He was president of the Winneshiek County Pork Producers Association and was on the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery Board and a member of St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville.

He enjoyed traveling to different parts of the United States. He donated land for Ludwig's Park located between Spillville and Protivin.

Melvin Gager

Funeral services for Melvin Gager were held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13 at the Orleans Lutheran Church, rural Ridgeway with pastors Phillip and Ginny Olson officiating.

Interment will be at a later date in the Orleans Lutheran Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Jeffrey Majerus, Brian Majerus, John Kolb, and Gerald Kolb. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Melvin, 82, died Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at the Evans Memorial Home where he has made his home since April of 1998.

Melvin Elmer Gager was born November 5, 1919 in Orleans Township, Winneshiek County, the son of Carlton and Cora (Opstedahl) Gager. He was baptized on June 6, 1920 and confirmed on July 21, 1935 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco. After attending rural school he remained at home and farmed with his parents.

He is survived by one sister: Naomi Huckins of Rochester, MN.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents.

Shirley Nelson

Funeral services for Shirley Nelson were held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 14 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home with Rev. Lewis Flanigan officiating.

Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco.

Shirley was transferred to the Church Triumphant on September 11, 2002 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Shirley Mae Nelson was born April 28, 1927 in Des Moines, the daughter of Earl and Myrtle (Smith) George.

She married Bernard Bencke in 1950. He died in 1953. Shirley graduated from Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls, and Luther College in Decorah. She married William L. Nelson on June 1, 1973 in Cresco. He passed away in 1999.

Shirley retired in 1989 after a life long career of teaching in Cresco.

She is survived by three sons: Craig Bencke of Mitchellville, David Bencke of Cresco, and Scott Nelson of Plymouth, MN; and three grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husbands; one brother: Tom; and one sister: Gayle Kvam.

Posted 9/20/2002 by KDW

Mary Zobeck

 Funeral services for Mary Zobeck of Evansdale, formerly of Cresco will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, September 18 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Interment is in the New Oregon Cemetery, rural Cresco.

Mary, 85, died Sunday, September 15, 2002 at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo.

Cyril Bouska 

Cyril "Ike" Bouska, 84, of Winter Haven, FL, formerly of Tama, died of heart failure Monday, September 9, 2002 in Palm Gardens, Winter Haven.

His body was cremated. Arrangements with Trinity Funeral & Cremation Center, Winter Haven, FL.

Cyril M. Bouska was born October 17, 1917 in Maywood, IL, the son of Frank W. and Sarah R. (Bell) Bouska. He came to Winter Haven from Iowa in 1996. He was a graduate of Iowa State University, Ames, with a B.S. degree in dairy industry and minor in economics. From 1942 to 1972, he was the owner of Royal Dairy in Tama, and from 1972 to 1996, an agent for the Paul Revere Insurance Co. He and his wife, Judith, would have been married 61 years on September 15, 2002.

He is survived by his wife Judith; his children: Betsy Bouska of Arlington, OH, Beverly Boyle of Waterloo, William of Lawrence, KS, and Bruce of Darlington, SC; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Sarah Sanford of Lansing, MI and Anne Lukes of Protivin.

Cyril was preceded in death by his parents.

Roman Gehling

Funeral services for Roman Gehling of Calmar were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 16 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating.

Schluter-Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Roman, 95, died Thursday, September 12, 2002 at the Oneota Care Facility following a short illness.

He is survived by one daughter: Helen Gehling of Calmar; two sons: Edward of Decorah and Larry of Calmar; and one sister: Lucina Koch of Manchester.

Charles Hadacek

Funeral services for Charles Hadacek were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin with Rev. John Moser officiating.

Interment was in Holy Trinity Church Cemetery in Protivin. Honorary pallbearers were: Clarence Hrubes, Dudley Wicklund, David Juhl, Tom Hadacek, Don Lensing, and Clet Koshatka. Pallbearers were: Shawn Sweeney, Meghan Sweeney, Justin Shores, Kyle Shores, Tony Sheridan, and Bobbie Jo Sheridan. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Charles, 69, died Saturday, September 7, 2002 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco.

Charles Joseph Hadacek was born September 8, 1932 in Spillville, the son of Joseph and Martha (Bouska) Hadacek. He attended the country school near Duncan and high school in Garner. On June 9, 1953 he entered the Army and served in the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharge on May 18, 1955.

On April 2, 1956 he married Betty Pechota at the Assumption Church in Little Turkey. They moved to the family farm south of Protivin. From 1977 until 1995 he was part owner of the West Union Implement. Charles and Betty moved to town in 1994.

He was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Protivin American Legion Post 605 and the Catholic Workman Branch 39.

He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and delivering flowers.

He is survived by his wife Betty; three daughters: Cindy Sweeney of Dubuque, Pam Shores of West Union, and Mary Beth Sheridan of Dubuque; one son: Chuck of Protivin; nine grandchildren; one sister: Patricia Juhl of Nora Springs; and two brothers: Robert of Forest City and Joseph of Duncan.

Charles was preceded in death by one son: Larry; and his parents.

Charles Hadacek

Funeral services for Charles Hadacek were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin with Rev. John Moser officiating.

Interment was in Holy Trinity Church Cemetery in Protivin. Honorary pallbearers were: Clarence Hrubes, Dudley Wicklund, David Juhl, Tom Hadacek, Don Lensing, and Clet Koshatka. Pallbearers were: Shawn Sweeney, Meghan Sweeney, Justin Shores, Kyle Shores, Tony Sheridan, and Bobbie Jo Sheridan. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Charles, 69, died Saturday, September 7, 2002 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco.

Charles Joseph Hadacek was born September 8, 1932 in Spillville, the son of Joseph and Martha (Bouska) Hadacek. He attended the country school near Duncan and high school in Garner. On June 9, 1953 he entered the Army and served in the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharge on May 18, 1955.

On April 2, 1956 he married Betty Pechota at the Assumption Church in Little Turkey. They moved to the family farm south of Protivin. From 1977 until 1995 he was part owner of the West Union Implement. Charles and Betty moved to town in 1994.

He was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Protivin American Legion Post 605 and the Catholic Workman Branch 39.

He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and delivering flowers.

He is survived by his wife Betty; three daughters: Cindy Sweeney of Dubuque, Pam Shores of West Union, and Mary Beth Sheridan of Dubuque; one son: Chuck of Protivin; nine grandchildren; one sister: Patricia Juhl of Nora Springs; and two brothers: Robert of Forest City and Joseph of Duncan.

Charles was preceded in death by one son: Larry; and his parents.

Frances Eggerichs

Funeral services for Frances Eggerichs of Chester were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13 at the Chester United Methodist Church in Chester with Rev. Tim Walker officiating.

Interment was in Chester Hill Cemetery. Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Frances, 38, died Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at St. Mary's Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Frances Kay Eggerichs was born May 15, 1964 in Spring Valley, MN, the daughter of Glenn and Eleanor (Lex) Eggerichs.She graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco and worked at L.P.C. (LeRoy Products Co.) for 15 years.

She enjoyed fishing, hunting, and road cruising.

She is survived by her mother Eleanor of Chester.

Madeline Johnson

Funeral services for Madeline Johnson of Westmont were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 12 at the Toon Funeral Home in Westmont with Rev. Ron Greene officiating.

Interment was in Clarendon Hills Cemetery Darien, IL.

Madeline, 88, died Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at her home.

Madeline M. Johnson was born June 30, 1914 in Preston, MN, the daughter of John and Amanda Weiss. She had managed Burney Bros. Bakery (Downers Grove).

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Westmont.

She loved gardening, flowers, and crafts.

She is survived by her husband Virgil; one daughter: Virginia Leifheit of Yorkville; two sons: Michael of Westmont and Virgil, Jr. of Muskego, WI; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister: Leona Berg of Elgin.

Madeline was preceded in death by her parents.

Joseph Ludwig

Funeral services for Joseph Ludwig of Spillville were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating.

Interment was in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Spillville. Honorary pallbearers were: Catholic Workman Branch 33 of Spillville. Pallbearers were: Bob Sbiral, John Novak, Gerald Kuhn, Stanley Shevik, Tom Bernatz, and Larry Shindelar. Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Joseph, 90, died Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at the Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah.

Joseph Wenceslaus Ludwig was born on the family farm near Spillville, the son of Albert and Anna (Shimek) Ludwig. Joseph attended St. Wenceslaus School in Spillville, and helped on the family farm. He purchased the farm in 1949. For many years he raised beef cattle.

Joseph served on the (REC) Rural Electric Administratin Board of Directors for many years and served two terms on the Winneshiek Extension Council. He was president of the Winneshiek County Pork Producers Association and was on the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery Board and a member of St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville.

He enjoyed traveling to different parts of the United States. He donated land for Ludwig's Park located between Spillville and Protivin.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Martin and Edward; and three sisters: Celia Herold, Agnes, and Viola Ludwig.

Mary Zobeck

Funeral services for Mary Zobeck of Evansdale, formerly of Cresco will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, September 18 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Interment is in the New Oregon Cemetery, rural Cresco.

Mary, 85, died Sunday, September 15, 2002 at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo.

Melvin Gager

Funeral services for Melvin Gager were held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13 at the Orleans Lutheran Church, rural Ridgeway with pastors Phillip and Ginny Olson officiating.

Interment will be at a later date in the Orleans Lutheran Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Jeffrey Majerus, Brian Majerus, John Kolb, and Gerald Kolb. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Melvin, 82, died Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at the Evans Memorial Home where he has made his home since April of 1998.

Melvin Elmer Gager was born November 5, 1919 in Orleans Township, Winneshiek County, the son of Carlton and Cora (Opstedahl) Gager. He was baptized on June 6, 1920 and confirmed on July 21, 1935 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco. After attending rural school he remained at home and farmed with his parents.

He is survived by one sister: Naomi Huckins of Rochester, MN.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents.

Shirley Nelson

Funeral services for Shirley Nelson were held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 14 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home with Rev. Lewis Flanigan officiating.

Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco.

Shirley was transferred to the Church Triumphant on September 11, 2002 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Shirley Mae Nelson was born April 28, 1927 in Des Moines, the daughter of Earl and Myrtle (Smith) George.

She married Bernard Bencke in 1950. He died in 1953. Shirley graduated from Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls, and Luther College in Decorah. She married William L. Nelson on June 1, 1973 in Cresco. He passed away in 1999.

Shirley retired in 1989 after a life long career of teaching in Cresco.

She is survived by three sons: Craig Bencke of Mitchellville, David Bencke of Cresco, and Scott Nelson of Plymouth, MN; and three grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husbands; one brother: Tom; and one sister: Gayle Kvam.

                       Posted by Gene Manning on 9/25/02

Leona Havel 

Funeral services for Leona Havel of Protivin were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 23 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin with Rev. John A. Moser officiating.

Interment was in Holy Trinity Church Cemetery in Protivin. Pallbearers were Stephen, Sheldon, Shawn and Gerald Praska, and Alan, Bryan and Kevin Havel. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Leona, 100, died Friday, September 20, 2002 at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Elma, where she has made her home since 1995.

Leona Evelyn Havel was born February 11, 1902 in Howard County, the daughter of Joseph J. and Caroline (Svestka) Moravetz. She was baptized and confirmed in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church where she was a life long member. She attended rural New Oregon #6 school and helped do housework at various neighboring homes.

On October 2, 1923 she married Lewis J. Havel at the Holy Trinity Church in Protivin. They made their home on the farm near Schley until they retired and moved into town in 1963.

She enjoyed crocheting, making doilies, and other handiwork. She also enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens. She was a lifelong member of the Holy Trinity Rosary Society.

She is survived by one daughter: Celesta Praska of Cresco; one son: Donald of Protivin; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; five step great grandchildren; one step great-great-grandchild; one brother: Roman of Cresco; and one sister: Otilda Larkin of New Hampton.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband Lewis on December 6, 1964; her parents; three brothers: Leonard, Reuben, and Clarence; and one sister: Clara M. Voves.

Mary Zobeck

Funeral services for Mary Zobeck of Evansdale, formerly of Cresco, were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating.

Interment was in New Oregon Cemetery, rural Cresco.

Mary, 85, died Sunday, September 15, 2002 at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo.

Mary Zobeck was born January 26, 1917 at Cresco the daughter of John and Eva (Linderman) Lucas.

On June 25, 1960 she married Joseph Zobeck and they moved to Evansdale and he was employed at John Deere.

She is survived by her husband Joseph; her children: Earl Cole of Bonaparte, Mavis Severson of Washburn, Alfred Cole of Ft. Madison, and Nancy Tibbets of Evansdale; 25 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; four brothers: Sam and Lawrence, both of Cresco, Ron of Tampa, FL, and John of Arizona; and one sister: Grace Lewis of Cresco.

Mary was preceded in death by four children: Dale, Darlene, Marlene, and Roger; one step-son: Dan; one great grandson; four brothers: William, Willard, Owen, and Francis; and three sisters: Goldie Conklin, Clarabelle Myers, and Blanche Thorson.

                     Posted by Gene Manning on 9/27/02

Gary Gesell

Funeral services for Gary Gesell were held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 27 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Elma with Rev. Michael Parris officiating.

Interment was in Howard Cemetery in Elma. Pallbearers were: Lonnie Friedrich, Larry Friedrich, Rod Friedrich, Jerry Palmersheim, Don Bartels, and Galen Stover. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Gary, 49, died Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at his home in Cresco.

Gary Lee Gesell was born March 25, 1953 in Amarillo, TX, the son of Gilbert and Wilma (Kapka) Gesell. He graduated from Crestwood High School in 1971 and went on to complete the Med Tech Program at the University of Minnesota.

He married Linda Schmidt in 1972 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Elma. They resided in the Elma area. Gary worked in various places including White Farm Equipment in Charles City, Featherlite in Cresco, Regional Health Services of Howard County, C.H. Wilson Transport, and spent some time farming.

He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, softball, snowmobiling, playing cards, and working with automobiles spending many hours restoring a 1963 Chevy Impala.

He is survived by three children: Aaron of Coralville, Jessica Gesell and Kelly Gesell, both of Cresco; one grandson; his mother Wilma of Elma; and a brother: Roger of Elma.

Gary was preceded in death by his father Gilbert; one brother: Loren; and one sister: Dianna.

Edna Masemann

Funeral services for Edna Masemann of Alta Vista will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, October 2 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista with Rev. Peter D. Peterson officiating.

Interment will be in Union Cemetery in Alta Vista. Pallbearers are: Tom Orthaus, Al Recker, Keith Johnson, Richard Miller, Marvel Erion, and Bob Savre. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Edna, 101, died Sunday, September 29, 2002 at New Hampton Care Center of natural causes.

Edna Frances Masemann was born September 21, 1901 in Chickasaw County, the daughter of Alex and Dora (Kemp) Shuhert. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista. She received her schooling at a country school near her home.

On February 23, 1922 she married Fred Masemann at Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista. They farmed in the Alta Vista area until their retirement in 1956, when they moved to Alta Vista. She resided at her home until May of 2000 when she moved to the care center.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, WELCA, Alta Vista Garden club, and was a charter member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Alta Vista. She enjoyed farming, flowers, gardening, music, playing the organ, cooking, and baking.

She is survived by one son: Melvin of Alta Vista; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband Fred in 1980; one daughter: Delors Erion; one great-granddaughter; and her parents.

Lucille Pazour

Funeral services for Lucille "Lucy" Pazour of Cedar Rapids will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, October 2 at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Marion with Rev. John Gossman officiating.

Interment will be in Shawver Cemetery, rural Tipton. Papich-Kuba Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Lucille, 71, died Saturday, September 28, 2002 at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids after a brief illness.

Lucille M. Pazour was born January 8, 1931 in Protivin, the daughter of William and Emma (Mracek) Riha. She came to Cedar Rapids in 1954 from Alta Vista.

On January 2, 1956 she married Charles R. Pazour Jr. at Saint Ludmila's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. They were later divorced. Lucy grew up working on the family farm at Protivin. In Cedar Rapids she had been employed at Le Febure Corp., Killian's, Woolworth's Department Store and she and her husband had owned and operated Pazour's Tap from 1977-1982. She was currently employed with the Linn County Extension.

She was a member of Saint Joseph's Catholic Church and the nature organization "Wetlands of Iowa".

She enjoyed baking, sewing, and making dolls.

She is survived by four daughters: Debra Law of Solon, Doreen Cook of Marion, and twins: Sharon Pazour of Cedar Rapids and Sheryl Pazour of Mechanicsville; one son: Michael of Solon; four grandchildren; and half brother: William Riha of Cedar Rapids.

Lucille was preceded in death by one son: Thomas; her parents; one brother: Ernie; and stepmother: Regina Riha.

Dale Zobeck

Funeral services for Dale Zobeck were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 28 at the United Lutheran Church at Chester with Rev. Dan Christensen officiating.

Interment was in Saratoga Cemetery in Saratoga. Pallbearers were: Jessie Zobeck, Leonard Jack Kessler, Merle Kessler, Charles Johnson, Paul Lidtke, Harold Buttolph, and Tony McBride. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Dale, 80, died Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at the Colonial Manor in Elma.

Dale Zobeck was born May 29, 1922 in Howard County, the son of Louis and Anna (Horejsi) Zobeck. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lime Springs.

On June 10, 1948 he married Shirley Ross at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They made their home in the Saratoga area. Dale farmed for many years, and played the drums in the Cousin Merle's and the Mapleleaf Cowboys band.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; two sons: Gary of Elma and Marc of Lime Springs; two daughters: Nancy Taylor of Ennis, TX and Ann Zobeck of Des Moines; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother: John of New Hampton; and three sisters: Katherine Drtina of Cresco, Dorothy Bartels of Rochester, MN, and Lucille Wolfe of Chester.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Charles; and one half brother: Nelson Zobeck.

                 Posted by Gene Manning on 10/4/02

Beverly Babinec

Funeral services for Beverly Babinec of Oconomowoc, WI, formerly of Cresco, were held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc with Rev. Ted Kalkwarf officiating.

Interment was in Summit Cemetery.

Beverly, 70, died Friday, September 20, 2002 at her residence.

Beverly Babinec was born May 26, 1932 in Moorhead, MN, the daughter of Monrad and Lila (Avery) Nygaard. She moved with her parents to a farm near Ridgeway in 1942. She attended a rural school and Cresco high School.

She married Robert McGeoghegan in 1956. After his death she married George Weiler in 1988. After his death she married Milton Babinec in 1998.

She was a secretary at the Oconomowoc Area School District for 27 years. She was a volunteer at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was very active in Our Savior's Lutheran Church choir and various committees.

She is survived by her husband Milton; her children: Julie Lord of Jefferson, Michelle McGeoghegan of Oconomowoc, Jeanne Block, of Crivitz, and Robert McGeoghegan of Dousman, WI; her stepchildren, Lori Babinec of Mukwonago, Melissa Sphatt of Littleton, CO, and Jennifer Babinec of Oconomowoc; 11 grandchildren; two brothers: Marvin of Hubbard and Stanley of Riverview, FL; and one sister: Malvera Wohlsdorf of Cresco.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert McGeoghegan and George Weiler; one son: Michael; and her parents.